Biochemical Studies on Sockeye Salmon During Spawning Migration: Xii. Liver Glycogen

Liver glycogen levels were determined for a pure stock of sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) taken at three locations during spawning migration. The liver glycogen content of the male was found to be consistently greater than that of the female throughout the entire river migration. In both sexes liver glycogen decreased during the earlier phase of migration, but increased during the later stage so that the levels at the spawning grounds were approximately twice those at the mouth of the river. The changes which occur are discussed in relation to sex differences, energy expenditures, and plasma steroid hormone levels.